The game had been extremely physical, which was most of the reason that the game was such a thriller. The Senators had one big penalty shot near the end of the game, with captain Dirxx Horstse taking the shot. The Besalisk, whose four arms made reading his throws extremely hard, looked down at the ball, contemplating what he was going to do with it. A goal on this possession and a big defensive stop would give his team the win, and he was one of the best shooters on the team from the penalty spot. Deciding what he wanted to do with the bolo-ball, he dropped it on the ground, kicked the ball up in the air with his foot, and headed the ball at the goal at a fast clip. The goalie was unable to catch up with the ball, which sailed into the goal for Coruscant's 23rd point of the game. The Gardens was quieted by this goal, as their team was against the wall in the playoff hunt, except for the tiny patches of Senators fans in the stands, who whooped and cheered loudly. Coruscant needed the win to clinch a berth in the postseason, and the Miners needed a little less than a miracle to make it. However, one good defensive stand would finish the game and the Miner's chances; the Senators had the opportunity to do some real damage with a hold.

As the ball was inbounded and play resumed, Gark watched as the clock ticked down towards three zeros, which would signal the team's fourth win of the season. On the field, Shev Fil'yer, the intimidating Noghri fullback, poked the ball away from one of the Bakura players and smashed it downfield to Full Forward Syprul Raches. The Shistavanen dodged a steal attempt and continued to penetrate the Miner defensive zone. Gark stole another look at the clock; ten seconds. Raches, when tackled from the side, dropped the ball, and Gark's jaw began to quiver a little; they could not run out the clock on the Miner's side of the field. With five seconds to go, the ball made its way back past midfield and into Senators territory. A long kick from somewhere near the line rocketed towards the goal, but missed wide left. Tavis Corizyl, the Senator goalie, pumped his fist as he left the goal to join in on the celebration for winning the game. After the last second ticked off the clock, Gark felt like he was on Cloud Nine. After an 0-2 start, with low expectations and a shaky fanbase, Coruscant had strung together a four-game winning streak. With the other league matches already in the books before this one ended, the Senators had clinched a playoff spot with the win. Not only had they come through on the road against a determined Miners squad, but they also had quieted some of the preseason criticism from the Coruscanti media networks. Across from the box that Gark sat in was the team's radio broadcasters, who were wrapping up important statistics in the game, and mostly praising the effort that the team had put forth. There were quite a few mistakes in the match, such as some defensive lapses that allowed Bakura to keep the game at a deadlock until the very end, but mostly it was a good overall game from the squad. Taking off his suit and tie, Gark pulled on a Senators sweatshirt, with the orange and black Senator logo proudly displayed on the front. He would once again join the players on the ride back to the hotel, and it was easy to show off his team gear with pride after the hard-fought win.

A few minutes later, the box had emptied, and Gark made his way through the throngs of fans leaving the stadium towards the loading dock, where the team bus was parked. There were a lot of long faces on the leaving fans; Gark understood how they felt. It was that same sinking feeling that he had had in the pit of his stomach before the season began. It was that sense of helplessness, that annoying feeling that next year would be a long way off. No doubt many of them were still angry at the results of the game, and Gark realized that his sweatshirt made him a prime target of any sour feelings towards the Senators franchise. Finally re

The Vertical City Network, Nar Shadda?s premiere authority regarding sports and news around the city, had been performing admirably in hyping up the match up between the Alsakan Flyers and the Nar Shaddaa Smugglers. Ticket sales had been mediocre at first but as the weeks went on and the powerful offenses of both teams were shown on highlight reels, the week six match up suddenly became that much more important to the Limmie fans of the Vertical City.

At season?s beginning, many fans of the Smugglers had decidedly written off the week six match up with the Flyers as a game worth skipping, simply because a newer team statistically had a hard time competing against an established veteran. Many predicted a blow out.

Nobody could have predicted the knock down drag out fight of talent between two franchises, one from the Core and one from the Outer Rim, would have been such an instant classic.

The end of the first half saw the score tied 18-18. The fans could sense, as the brief interlude between halves was carried out, that this game had an entirely different feel than anything that had transpired earlier in the season. This game was going to be played to the final whistle. Both teams had exhausted themselves in the first half, pulling out all the stops to gain an advantage that would help carry the win. When one franchise would score, the other would come right back.

Rhia Grames had rarely been so nervous in her life. Sure it was the regular season and the Nar Shaddaa Smugglers held a commanding lead of the league with a 4-1 record, yet that meant nothing if the team she had helped craft and create, led to victory personally for so many years, dropped this very important game against the Alsakan Flyers. If the Smugglers won today and Coruscant lost later, they would secure the Commissioner?s Trophy.

Personally, Rhia never cared much for trophies and awards. They meant nothing if you could not win the big game when it counted. She would never admit this publicly to the team or the press, to do so would be a career suicide of the highest order. Not after everything her players had gone through to get to this point in the season.

Her experienced eyes prowled the Flyer?s offensive and defensive formations as the second half began, sitting comfortably in the owner?s box, the roar of the home crowd at Six Boroughs stadium was deafening. Back and forth the score went, neither team yielding in any way. The minutes ticked by and there was speculation by Joaquin Vehn, the owner, that this game might head into overtime.

Fortunately for the players, it didn?t. Exhausted, beaten up, and pushing their bodies far beyond their usual parameters, Rhia Grames realized from the owner?s box that something had to give, it was just a matter of time.

The game, tied at 35-35 with a minute to go in regulation, was in lock down mode. Cally Thrace, Team Captain for the Smugglers, was driving down the field ball tucked securely under her arm when she took a brutal hit from Nale Diora that knocked her flat on the ground, unmoving. The crowd, caught up in the intense physicality of the game, ignored Thrace?s condition as the ball went flying up into the air, team mates on either side of the pitch jockeying for position as the ball seemed suspended above the pitch for what seemed to be an eternity.

Finally, it came down and when it did, all hell broke loose.

A struggle broke out on the pitch as both the Flyers and the Smugglers leapt onto the spot where the ball had returned to the ground, except for Helena Forsythe who lingered around midfield in case the Smugglers had to beat a hasty retreat towards their goal. In the maelstrom that ensued, someone, later identified as the left corner back for the Smugglers known as Garen Deo, popped the ball out of the throng of entangled players in the direction of Forsythe who, sensing her only opportunity to end this game, scooped up the ball and raced toward the goal, scorching one under the bar for three points past the outstretched fingers of Yus-tarr

Stoney End Park To Host 262 Galactic Cup FinalBut will the Patriots get a shot to play at home?

CORUSCANT--Today Elite League Commissioner Niakra Kayl'hen made the announcement that Chandrila will host the 262 Galactic Cup Final at historic Stoney End Park, the League's oldest venue. Despite its age, Stoney End has consistently been one of the most frequently used stadiums for the Galactic Cup Final.

"We know the decision this year came late and honestly that's on my office," Kayl'hen said in her press conference, "Honestly, I've been playing catch-up this season to make sure that this season has been running smoothly. We've been sitting on the applications for hosting the Final for a while. Rest assured next season we're going to get this out earlier."

Chandrila might be hosting the neutral-site Final, but there's no guarantee they're going to get the opportunity to make that Final. A Naboo loss or a Chandrila win will lock up the Pats in the last open spot in the playoffs. The Patriot organization returned a generic comment regarding that situation, saying they are preparing hard for the Burgundy & Green Brawl against the Smugglers, but did say they are "delighted that Chandrila will once again host this prestigious galactic event."

Kerry sat there, hunched forward, elbows on her knees, hands arched so that they covered her mouth and nose. The penalty shot goal by Horstse had given the Senators the edge today, ending the Miners' playoff hopes that, with a win, would still have been alive even with the Naboo victory today. But instead it was the last home game of the season--the last home game of a year that had seen the Miners go 0-4 at home.

The Prime Minister knew what this meant. Ticket sales were going to plummet next season. If she was an ordinary gal in the stands, why would she spend her money on a team that wouldn't even bother to win when she showed up to yell and scream for them? She wouldn't. The Miners had put together a string of several sellout seasons. Even though season tickets wouldn't officially go on sale until the beginning of 263, she knew that the bottom line was going to take a hard hit. That meant economic choices would have to be made during the offseason.

Without much comment to anyone, Kerry left Bakura Gardens deflated and disgusted. As she stepped into her armored hovercar to return to Marian Square to attend to her executive duties, she was handed a datapad with a headline and developing story from the Bakuran Broadcasting Corporaton, the publicly-funded media outlet and biggest name in news for the planet.

BREAKING NEWS: Miner fans rioting in west Salis D'aar after team winless in 4 tries at home.

Kerry understood their anger. Still, her only reaction to that was to say, "Frak."

***

Bakuran Senate Complex, Salis D'aar, Bakura

Question Time was one of Bakura's oldest political traditions and hearkened to a time when the Prime Minister was more a member of the Senate and less an executive power in her own right. However, just because the Prime Minister was popularly elected did not mean the Senate was willing to allow her to escape their scrutiny. That was why, once every two weeks, the Prime Minister answer questions from the dais from Senators, starting with the Minority Leader. The answers were usually subtle ways for the Prime Minister to rationalize her agenda and respond to criticisms in a manner that was often carried at least in part by the media.

What Kerry did not expect was a question from a Senator regarding what were being called "The Minor Riots". The media, in their ridiculous love for a cute turn of phrase, always referred to the hometown Limmie team as the Bakura Minors whenever they underachieved. That was certainly the case this season and though the riots in western Salis D'aar hadn't lasted more than a day, they continued to be discussed by pundits--and apparently Senators.

"Madam Prime Minister, what we have seen here is the danger of letting ourselves get too wrapped up in sports. Yes, they can be an enjoyable distraction from time to time, and they certainly bring tourists and tax revenue to Bakura. However, is it really worth it if we are forced to incur extra charges for use of our police force to quell such domestic disturbance?"

The question actually thre Kerry to the point that she had to pause before she realized she actually had to respond to that.

"If I understand the Senator correctly, am I actually being asked to apologize for the fact that the people of Bakura are passionate about Limmie?" Kerry asked with incredulity. She did not wait for a reply. "That is something I will not do. People have every reason to be upset about what has happened this season, even though it is not over. A 2-5 finish would still be our worst record in the last seventeen seasons. The Miners are, as I think everyone would be forced to agree, a projection of Bakuran prestige and power into the galaxy. Their failings reflect on us as a society and culture.

"Now, I do not condone violence--which thankfully did not claim any lives--or the destruction of property. Criminal behavior, especially with Limmie as its root, is not justified. However, I will not say that the peop

Called by some ?the River City?, Nouvelle Orleans was the largest economic center of the former Maple Flag Republic. During the war, the Maples had fortified and entrenched themselves in the city so deeply that the opposing armies simply looked at each other for the duration of the war?until Commander Fiona Westenra took the Mark I BakurStar Arden and executed a successful Adama maneuver that put Federal starfighters inside the shields of the city. Westenra and General Anastasia Dualla, now Commandant of the Bakuran Marines, had become the Heroes of Nouvelle Orleans and the fall of the city marked the beginning of the end for the Maple Flag Republic.

It had been in Nouvelle Orleans over a year ago that Kerry Trieste had stood and delivered the speech that was quickly dubbed the Great Reconciliation where she declared that the end of the civil war would not bring profiteering by the victors, but redevelopment of the damage they had done. It had been a euphoric moment in which she had been surrounded by her children and husband, a moment captured in art and the popular imagination. For Kerry, it had been a moment that ended all too quickly on a personal level.

That made it painful to return to the scene of the Great Reconciliation Speech now to address the crowds again. Gone was the euphoria now that Reconstruction and its tedious business were underway. Many were the problems that Kerry had faced in winning back these people for the long-term. That was why she was here today.

Though the speech had not been carried live on the Bakuran channels of the Holonet because of the Miners game (being played for pride only, hence Kerry?s decision not to travel to Kashyyyk for it), it would quickly be picked up and replayed after the fact due to its surprising content.

?Our civil war was fought over a disagreement regarding the limits of federal power, a disagreement that turned bloodier than it should have been. It was an argument that the federal government won through the use of force. But force does not bring harmony or unity. It is a short term solution, the limits of which we approach now.

?The underlying cause of our strife was a belief that the federal government should be limited because its ability to do things is greatly limited. Its detractors then and now state in fact that there are few things that the federal government should do, including the current Reconstruction,? Kerry said, ?This belief continues to sow enmity and discord on our fair planet and we must address this fundamental question of our civil society.

?I am here to tell my detractors that not only do I believe that the federal government has an integral role to play in our society, but that I can prove it too. Tomorrow in the Senate I will be introducing the Federal Accountability and Efficiency Act to review all federal departments to eradicate corruption, eliminate inefficiencies, and further reduce our federal budget. This will apply to all offices, including Marian Square. The results will be released in objective, easy-to-understand measurements and figures.

?Furthermore, I am making the Reconstruction a poster child for this effort. I am sorry to say that an internal audit of this undertaking, only a year old, has shown it to be sluggish, unproductive, and thus far ineffective in fostering the economic recovery the former Maple counties need. What you will see are targeted efforts to bring accountability to one of our planet?s largest public spending projects in a transparent manner. I guarantee you this: we will wither succeed spectacularly or fail miserably. And either way, you?ll be able to look at me and say that I?m responsible for it.?

The crowd at Nouvelle Orleans applauded the speech and the talking heads on the media would soon (save for a few die hard anti-Fianna Fail & anti-Trieste pundits). The message, they said was clear: mediocrity would not be tolerated because Bakurans expect better.

The Nar Shaddaa Smugglers were in the playoffs. Had secured the Commissioner?s Trophy and a league standing of 6-1. Coupled with these accomplishments, the Smugglers would be playing at home for their first playoff match up in the Semifinals.

All in all, the season had gone quite well.

Rhia Grames was enjoying a nice drink with the owner, Joaquin Vehn, to celebrate their 5-2 victory over the Chandrila Patriots. It was a quiet finish to a storied rivalry going back to the days playing on the field against the Patriot great, Tan Strensky. The Cleats of Glory, a trophy made by the players of both franchises featuring one cleat from Rhia Grames and the other from Tan Strensky, was staying in Nar Shaddaa for another year.

Had Chandrila won, the Cleats of Glory would be making their way back to Stoney End Park in Hana City, Chandrila. Instead the hated rivals were making their way home in defeat.

That was just fine with General Manager Rhia Grames. For a second she wanted to relax. But then the playoff game loomed ahead and she was back on track, figuring out how best to help Nar Shaddaa overcome the ghosts of playoffs past when they had advanced to the Semifinals with a 6-1 record.

Kerry accepted a cup of tea from the Bothan with a gracious murmur, sipping it quietly as she waited for Commissioner Niakra Kayl?hen to take her seat behind her large desk that was looking as cluttered as one would expect with the playoffs set to open this week on Kashyyyk and Alsakan.

?I think we can both agree that this visit is not a casual one. It?s not a short trip from Bakura to Coruscant,? Kayl?hen said as she settled into her chair.

?My purpose is undoubtedly clear to you,? Kerry said, ?I?m here to politely ask you to ignore common sense and keep the Miners in the Elite League.?

?I thought that might be the reason.?

?I realize that last place teams do not get to dictate their terms to the League, even if their owners have been historically influential members of the Board of Governors,? Kerry said, ?but there are no hard and fast rules regarding promotion and demotion. Denon was a playoff team last year and you sagely removed them and brought in Alsakan?much to your credit considering their season. Likewise, Chandrila is still despite only winning one game last season.?

?Already you are in a better position than the Patriots were, it seems,? Kayl?hen said casually.

?Having the worst point differential this season doesn?t put us into a good position either,? Kerry said, ?But this is only about one statistic: credits. I am here to say that you cannot do better than the Miners in that regard.?

?You have been a profitable franchise in the past, but do you really think you?ll be as profitable next season? A team on the rise could eclipse your numbers,? the Bothan replied.

?Even when we were losing games this season, we still performed similarly in overall galactic viewership,? Kerry said, ?That?s where your real money is: the Holonet contracts. Our fans like it when we win. The galaxy loves it when we lose. The numbers don?t lie.?

Kayl?hen stroked her chin, calmly and deliberatively. The League?s advertising and broadcasting revenue had long been buoyed by the ?Big Four? of Courscant (even when the Senators played poorly, it was an important market), Chandrila, Bakura, and Nar Shaddaa. Kerry had a point.

?It would be foolish of us to jump ship. However, a hot team winning the Premier League?they?ve been known to generate a lot of excitement in the past,? Kayl?hen said, ?I will evaluate the situation at the end of the playoffs, taking all factors into consideration.?

?That?s all I can ask for right now,? Kerry said, standing, ?But I promise you this?no matter where they are, the Miners are going to create excitement. If we play the Premier League, it?s going to hurt your bottom line.?

?Much like having the Corellia Rebels in the Premier League does when they don?t play Elite League ball,? Kayl?hen said, shaking Kerry?s hand, ?Sacrifices have to be made from time to time.?

It had been quite the topsy turvy season in the Elite League. Not many had bet on Alsakan making a playoff berth so soundly. Luckily, Corso didn't make bets. He just produced. He had been doing so for the entirety of his career in Limmie, and being an owner didn't upset his balance.

However, now that he had made it to the quarterfinals, Alsakan was up against the most storied franchise in the league. Chandrila had not played as well as some of their former teams, but Corso wasn't going to grow complacent. Not now. He was so close. That felt strange. He had been to the semis before, but this year was different. He had built this team with his own hands, from dust. He was the glue for Alsakan's defense and the inspiration for their run at the Cup.

As he sat on the turf of the pitch, steeling himself for one of the biggest games of his life, Corso couldn't help but remark at the successes and failures of the year. Bakura, a team that had severely underachieved this year, had embarrassed Alsakan as one of their two wins. Without meaning to, Corso could see where he might need to make changes during the offseason. Diox had already made it clear that this was truly his last season. He had allowed himself one last shot at glory. But, Dean Shazar had also mentioned a wish to retire. Corso could see a rearrangement of positions in his mind's eye. Dean would make an excellent coach. Loris and Charis were upset with their contracts and during the year, they had become more of a hindrance than an asset. Corso was out two midfielders and an LCF. But, now wasn't the time to worry about that.

In a few hours, the pitch would be full of screaming fans. Not just Alsakans. Chandrila had one of the most loyal fan bases in the league. They would be out in force to support their Patriots. Corso wondered whether they would go home happy or disappointed.

Alsakan qualifies for the bonus roll this week. Also, noticed after the Chandrila-Alsakan game that I had erroneously put the Mariners at 3-4, rather than 4-3 as they should have been. Accordingly, prior to the Mon Calamari-Kashyyyk game I switched those two teams so Mon Calamari would host the game.

The Flyers had done it. They had managed to push their way through the dominating defense of the Chandrila Patriots and were in the Semi-finals. It was almost unheard of for a team new to a league to make it this far into the playoffs. In fact, Corso could only remember it happening twice. But, the Flyers didn't need to be told that. They came into every game as the underdog, no matter their record, because that was largely what they were. A team of misfits. Players who hadn't ever played a Limmie game before this year. Some who hadn't even seen one. They had taken to the field as bandits, stealing each win with aggression and bravado. And each loss was nothing but a reminder that their season was hanging by a thread from the start.

Corso looked around the lockers at his silent teammates. There was celebration yet. They were in quiet reverence to their success. When they left the pitch to celebrate, their tongues would unloosen. They would met cries to the heavens, they would visit friends and family and revel in their luck. They were champions in their own eyes. And, Corso was right there with them.

Dana Roslyn was ushered into the West Office where Kerry Trieste sat silently, finishing off the review of a report of which she had half a page left to go. She raised one finger wordlessly to tell Roslyn to wait. The General Manager did so as the door softly shut behind her. After a full minute more, Trieste placed the datapad down and stood.

?Thank you,? Kerry said. She motioned to one of the couches for Roslyn to take a seat.

Roslyn had been summoned here by a curt, imperious message. It was clear that when Kerry told Dana to be there at 5:45 in the evening that being late was not an option. Accordingly, Dana had arrived 15 minutes early, even factoring in the time needed for security screening at Marian Square. She had spent her excess time in the receiving room for the West Office doing her best not to fidget.

?Thank you, Madam Prime Minister,? Dana replied as she sat down. She did not relax into the padding of the chair, but rather sat straight up. Roslyn was well aware of what a meeting like this meant.

?Dana, we both know that this season was an outright disaster. For all intents and purposes we could have gone 0-7 this season. It was sheer force of will that pulled out those two games for us,? Kerry said, ?Our offense lacked pep and our defense was in the gutter. Worst point differential in the League. Not since the Noble House purchased the team have we performed so poorly.

?Changes are going to have to be made. Hard, very difficult changes.?

Roslyn dropped her head a bit to indicate her acknowledgement of the fact.

?What we experienced this season was a catastrophe all around. It was poor chemistry, poor coaching, poor personnel,? Kerry continued, ?The fans and the media have suggested firing everyone involved with the team. I was highly amused to hear that includes me.? The redhead smiled. ?Those people will have to be content with the fact that I?ll be making less money on ticket sales next season, no doubt.?

?If I may,? Roslyn interjected, ?I understand that much of this rests at my door as General Manager. As you said, the on-field personnel was very much lacking this year. I thought a minor tweak was all that we needed to remain competitive. Instead, the competitive demeanor of this League shifted drastically. Our brand of Limmie, especially defensively, could never keep up with the rest of the League. I am prepared to take responsibility for the failure of this year. That is my responsibility as General Manager.?

Kerry was clearly surprised by the last few sentences. ?Dana, what are you talking about? Did you think I brought you here to fire you? Maker, Dana. You are one of the best talent scouts in the galaxy. If I fired you I have no doubt you?d get hired by someone else and start making me regret the decision. No, you know when to get aggressive in the free agent and trade markets and when to sit back and not go broke in bidding wars. That?s worth a lot to me and to this team.

?Dana, you and I are here to decide who is getting fired and we?re not leaving until we have that figured out and have a long term plan for this franchise,? Kerry said.

Dana Roslyn exhaled deeply. ?Next time Kerry, could you tell me that a little sooner so I don?t die of a stroke??

The Prime Minister smiled. ?You?re not going to let me have any fun at all, are you??

Two hours later, Roslyn and Trieste left the West Office. The results were shocking.

The front four of Nightshade, Anderson, Forsythe, and Thrace were rapidly progressing through their training today going through the basics and slowly working up to more advanced drills. They were the face of the Nar Shaddaa Smugglers offensive unit and their grim determination and quiet focus had put the Smugglers into the playoffs with home field advantage and a regular season record of 6-1.

Three of the four were veterans of last year?s Galactic Cup championship team. The fourth, a prospect originally marked to appear with the Chandrila Pariots, but nabbed by another team, had earned her spot on the roster through hard work and a desire to succeed by any means necessary.

Her name was Helena Forsythe, the Nar Shaddaa full forward and her play this season had impressed Rhia Grames. That was never an easy thing to do. Full Forwards were typically overlooked in the stat column, but Forsythe was an exception to the rule.

Traditionally, Nar Shaddaa used full forward?s in a scheme built for a bulkier player designed to tie up the defense while the corners struck from the sides, but that concept had changed with the arrival of Forsythe who revolutionized the concept of full forward into a hard charging, quick striking, offensive component.

To Rhia Grames, watching the drills in preparation for the game in a few days, such change was necessary to keep the opponent guessing and the fans thrilled.

Kashyyyk was coming to town. There was bad blood between the teams. The game would be physical, tiring, and mentally exhausting.

But they would be ready. The Rangers weren?t going to walk away with the victory, not at Six Boroughs.

Gark sat on on of the small benches on the sideline of the Senators' practice field. The field wasn't much to look at; the company had gained the building when it acquired the team and the stadium, but it had a long way to go before it looked like a proper facility for training. Nevertheless, the Senators still treated the field as their home turf away from the stadium, and they still came to practice despite the fact that the field was missing grass in several areas and the goalposts were still a bit crooked. Gark had expected that the season, with the forecasted failures, would mean another grueling year with a bad practice field. However, the unexpected success and subsequent boost in interest in Coruscant Limmie meant that much-needed upgrades would be made to the facility, such as getting a new playing surface (hopefully one with decent grass instead of the horrible weed-like stuff) and better equipment. The Senators were by no means too poor to be playing in the league, but all of the money had been spent on team uniforms and the stadium years before, and the practice space had felt the pain of not getting upgraded due to poor team performance and low attendance. Hopefully things were going to change.

The backups were going through drills at the moment, with only a few of the starters participating in any team activities. Most of the team were either in the locker room or watching game film, or were not even at the facility. Gark and Allie, the Coach, had decided that the starters could voluntarily show up to these workouts due to the grueling season, and give them some time to rest. Backups needed the extra practice time, just in case someone went down with an injury. Most of them were rookies and journeymen who spent years with Premier League teams and somehow landed in the fold with the Senators. These players wanted to prove that they could perform well, and thus gave an extra 20% every time they practiced so that the team brass would notice them. Luckily, no major injuires had occured to the starters, so the backups were used in less-stressful situations in mop-up time or to give someone a much-needed rest. None of them knew their future with the team, as most had one-year deals to occupy a spot on the roster and were not guaranteed an extension after the season was over. For some, this was their first chance to stick with the team, while others knew the sting of rejection all too well and were determined to stay on Coruscant for at least another year. With the draft and free agency periods coming up soon, these players wanted to cement their status with the team, because uncertainty of job security in a competitive environment such as Elite League Limmie mostly brought around being cut from the team during training camp.

As Gark sat, watching two of the backups work on their speed on the tire run, Allie Orchetrada came to sit next to him. Allie was certainly a live-wire coach; her eccentric antics made her a favorite with the players, and she never was at a loss for words. "I just got the scouting report for Alsakan, our opponent in the Semis." she said nonchalantly.

"Well?" Gark asked.

"It won't be easy, that's for sure. The Flyers have gone down the same road we have this season, and they're probably eager to knock us out of the playoffs and get to the title game. We can't let that happen."

"I assume you have a good gameplan, then?" Gark said with a smirk. "You've had a little while to think these things through."

"It'll probably be same-old, same-old. Bruise 'em up and let our offense take down their beleagured defense down the stretch."

"For a moment, I thought you actually had these things all planned out ahead of time."

"I just let the players play, and mold my plans around what's going on on the field. It's good to be flexible in the middle of a match."

"It certainly is. So, what do you think of these backups? Bill and I nee

Disappointment. Sullen looks. A tired and beaten team trudging off the field after a season of stellar performances. Blood, sweat, and grass stains stamped on their burgundy uniforms. Tears ran down the faces of a few of the players who had put everything on the line in a death defying game of physical punishment that had ended in a 7-4 victory in favor of the Kashyyyk Rangers.

Rhia Grames couldn't wipe the terrible taste of defeat from her mouth. She had known it all too well during her years as a player, coach, and now general manager. But every time it hurt and somehow notched a new wound in her soul. It was never easy losing at home in the Semifinals. In front of a crowd that was behind you every step of the way. Even when you lost.

Tonight, following the buzzer that marked the end of a game and a season, the fans had not booed but instead stood and applauded the effort of a Nar Shaddaa Smuggler squad that had delighted, inspired, and championed the cause of the average person on the struggling world of Nar Shaddaa. The fans knew that the Smuggler franchise had put every possible ounce of energy into the game and come up short when it mattered the most. Many would have preferred that the Smugglers had dropped a game in the regular season if it meant returning to the Finals but nothing was ever certain. One could play the what if game for the rest of their lives. At least, many a fan told their friends, the Nar Shaddaa Smuggglers had won a Galactic Cup last year and shaken a playoff losing streak that had lasted nearly five consecutive seasons.

Rhia Grames whispered words of encouragement into the ears of the team as they walked down the tunnel into the locker room. Head Coach Tover Micjaa walked by, his face pensive, no doubt contemplating the heart aching loss. Grames reached out a hand to stop his progress and said with a reassuring tone, "You did as well as anyone could, Tover. The team played their hearts out today, they really did. We tried hard to make a come back during the second half but the Rangers were ready for it. When you've had time to put this behind you, we'll talk."

Micjaa merely nodded, revealed a weak smile, and headed off to the locker room.

The stands were nearly empty leaving behind a plethora of wrappers, empty containers of alcoholic beverages, and the memories of a stinging defeat at the hands of a team that many thought shouldn't be advancing to the Finals. General Manager Rhia Grames, privately, thought the same thing. The Rangers had won because sooner or later, unfortunately for the Smugglers, the Nar Shaddaa squad's number would be called and they would lose. Too bad the loss was suffered during a critical moment in the post season. The Rangers had also won because they had merely perfected a game plan that had exposed weaknesses in the Smuggler's strategy. Twice this year they had beaten Nar Shaddaa. Thankfully, though it was of little consolation, this loss had been close to being a victory.

But there was always next year, and as Rhia Grames headed home for the night, her mind churned and whirled examining how she could make the Smuggler squad even better next year.

SALIS D?AAR, BAKURA?In an unprecedented postseason cleaning spree now being dubbed the ?Thursday Night Massacre?, the Bakura Miners in a written press release announced late this evening that one third of their starters have been fired or traded. Furthermore, nine year Head Coach Mick Hancock has been informed the Miners will not sign a new contract with him, essentially firing a man only three years removed from a Galactic Cup championship.

According to the press release, ?The Miners organization has been clear since the season that drastic moves would be required to right the ship. This is the beginning of this process. It is painful for everyone involved, including for the fans, but it is necessary to keep the Miners a competitive team in this League.?

Many faces that won Galactic Cups with Hancock are leaving with him. Goaltender Kylie Reed and veteran Saria Mantissa are being allowed to go to the free agent market, while the Miners have released Jed Ortmeyer and Rhyna Tavagana on waivers. Jalla Tunus, the former Ingbrand Award-winning defender, has been reportedly traded to the Nar Shaddaa Smugglers for experienced veteran Garen Deo, who was integral to the Smugglers? stellar defense in 262. Late season replacement goalie Aron Rodges is being demoted back to the reserves, leaving the goaltender position wide open.

Furthermore, in a shocking twist of events, the Miners also announced that the fan favorite Isabella Montador is being stripped of her captaincy after just two years. This surely will come as a blow to Montador, who hoped to succeed Declan Adama and Gaeriel Valerii as the third consecutive Miner captain to raise a Galactic Cup.

One of the few survivors of the massacre curiously turns out to be the woman who helped perpetrate it. Dana Roslyn has received the critical vote of confidence from Prime Minister Kerry Trieste and will continue as General Manager. Roslyn will doubtless be working overtime this offseason as she tries to fill five openings on the roster and recruit a new Head Coach. Anonymous sources in the Miner organization say that Trieste and Roslyn have already scheduled a joint interview with one of their top prospects for the job, but no further details have been released.

?In the Elite League, this is about as big as it gets when it comes to shakeups,? BBC Miner play-by-play commentator Daly Lyster said this evening in reaction to the news, ?We already know Kerry Trieste went to Coruscant to plead her case in front of Commissioner Kayl?hen to keep the Miners in the Elite League. What has happened tonight is obviously intended to further show the League that Trieste is serious about winning and is willing to tear this team down so she can build it up again.?

Unquestionably, Trieste is taking a huge risk by bringing in so many new faces to the Miners for 263. Whether or not they can find chemistry so quickly will be one of the biggest questions facing them when the season starts. Then again, when you finish at the bottom, there are a lot of tough questions that have to be answered.

The buzzer sounded, and the crowd went wild. Coruscant had just dispatched the visiting Alsakan Flyers 26-19 at home, securing a spot in the league championship match. Gark stayed steely calm for several moments after the end of the match while everyone else in the box was whooping and giving each other high-fives and other congratulations. "Bill", the Owner of the franchise, was among them, ecstatic that he his squad had made it to the Finals in their first year under the new tenure. Gark did not match the same excitement as the business man did; for him, it was more about the sport than the obvious revenue spike that would follow, but the revenue would also equal more fans, so there was something redeeming about merchandise sales. However, Gark knew that he had to focus on the team matters, not finances; that stuff could wait, along contracts and other matters, after the Finals. He also knew that Bill was going to start talking to him about the money that would be rolling in after the win, and steeled himself for it. Bill, instead of speaking to him, filed out of the box with the other people who had watched the classic match between two resurfacing teams who had come this far out of predicted mediocrity. He had to give a hand to Alsakan for what it had done during the season.

Gark, realizing that everyone else had left, stood up and made his way towards the field, as was his new custom after every home game. The players, just as after their regular season wins, stayed on the field, celebrating their win and berth into the Finals. The fans, more numerous than during the rest of the season, cheered their approval; Limmie, at least for one season, was back on Coruscant, and the fanbase was loving every moment of it. Not bad for a team that started 0-2, had a captain who was publicly lambasted for not leading the team properly, and defensive lapses that cost the team early matchups that could have brought home the Commissioner's Trophy. However, none of that mattered now; the Finals loomed on Chandrila, and Gark was sure that many of the fans in the stands were already thinking about plans to get to Stoney End Park on Chandrila to see the resurgent Senators take on Kashyyyk, whom they had beaten earlier in the season due to a suffocating defensive effort.

Hopping on to the field and passing through the security presence, Gark waded through the mass of players, both Senators and Flyers alike, on his search for Coach Orchetrada. He found her a minute later, talking to some members of the press. Waiting for her to finish, Gark patted a couple players on the shoulder, and then walked up behind the coach. "Congrats on the win, Coach," he said nonchalantly.

She spun around, completely surprised that he was standing there. "Uh . . . thanks. I'm still in a state of shock here. Can't believe we took this game, especially at home. We've come a long way."

"Just make it one more celebration, okay?" Gark said. "After that, you and the team can relax."

"All right. One more win, and then I can take some time off."

"Well, not exactly. We still have some important team stuff to deal with. After that, you can take a vacation. I think you deserve one after this season. It's been stressful on all of us. Now, I think you owe the people in the stands some words. I'll get the stadium crew to bring the megaphones out." Gark moved towards the security presence, and shared some words with the top security official on the field. The man nodded, and then barked something at the field crew. The crew opened up a box and began to run cables up and down the sides of the field, trying to get the megaphone system running. The team was going to thank the fans for being there all season and helping support them in the thick and thin times. Allie was going to do most of the talking, but a few of the players obviously wanted to opportunity to say something to the fans.

CORUSCANT?The Elite League held its annual season award gala at the swanky Galaga Club last night to recognize the regular season play of its most outstanding members. This year, the awards were dominated by the losers of the Semifinals in the playoffs in landslide votes.

Tover Micjaa added yet another Langann Award to his trophy shelf this year as he followed up a Galactic Cup Championship with a 6-1 regular season. Micjaa is now an almost certain lock for the Limmie Hall of Fame thanks to his ridiculous number of Langann?s.

The Smuggler head coach shared the night with Meredith Chambers, who became one of the few goaltenders to ever bring home the Salbukk Award. Even more impressive is the fact that Chambers has done so in only her second year in the League, making her one of the most promising stars in the galaxy today.

Alsakan rounded out the award winners as Illit Vorn took home the Ingbrand Award as Rookie of the Year. This bodes well for the Flyers? organizational strength. It is rumored that Alsakan may need to make some key replacements for 263 with rumors of a potential retirement by the aging veteran Dean Shazar (which are, at this time, completely unconfirmed).

The off season was one of the highlights of being a general manager of a professional Limmie team. Trades, player contracts and disputes, reporters wanting a sneak peak at the upcoming training camps, balancing the finances of the franchise, it all came rushing at Rhia almost as soon as the Coruscant Senators had defeated the Kashyyyk Rangers at Stoney End Park in Chandrila.

Salaries were the largest issue looming before the Nar Shaddaa Smugglers at present. Though a salary cap did not exist in the league, paying premiums for veterans was becoming a financial liability and one could only support a successful team for so long before cuts would have to be made in order to keep the team financially viable. Besides, everyone knew you could hand a rookie a low salary and they?d be expected to take it because of two factors: They were young and also had not proven themselves on the field.

Thus, as Rhia Grames looked over the roster of current players for the Nar Shaddaa Smugglers, a feeling of sadness swept over her. She never liked cutting players but the financial demands of the league prompted her to do so. One championship team last year could be the league?s basement dweller the next. The Nar Shaddaa Smugglers had to stay competitive, and Rhia Grames knew exactly what portion of the roster needed an overhaul: the midfield.

Midfielders Verona Santiago and Mali Ja?maako would no longer be with the team. Their play last year had been solid, but if Rhia wanted to keep some of the more talented players, well, sacrifices would have to be made. She was confident other teams would pick them up. They wouldn?t be without employment for very long. A quick flurry on the datapad put the roster change into effect. Team representatives would notify the pair later today.

That was the cold nature of the business. Player loyalty in many franchises was hard to come by these days. Grames, more traditional than other owners, tried very hard to keep players on the roster that performed well every year and she didn?t like to see families pack up and leave. But some times moves had to be made that would keep the franchise at the very cusp of elite play. In her mind, Rhia knew she had the ultimate deciding power on who stayed or departed, therefore, it came as a shock to her when Cally Thrace Team Captain of the Nar Shaddaa Smugglers entered her office.

?Mrs. Grames, I hope I?m not interrupting,? Thrace said.

?No, Cally, please, have a seat,? Rhia replied.

?There?s something I?d like to talk to you about,? Thrace said.

?Yeah, Cally, shoot,? Rhia responded.

?I?ve decided to hang up my cleats,? Cally announced after a few minutes.

The air in the room had gotten colder, Rhia thought, as she stared into the blue eyes of a woman she had enjoyed talking to and watching play.

?You sure this is what you want?? Rhia asked.

Cally nodded. ?I need to start looking after myself. I?ve been playing in this league for seventeen years now, won two Galactic Cups with two different teams, and feel like I have accomplished all that I set out to do when I was first drafted by the Bakura Miners many years ago.?

?Any regrets?? Rhia inquired, remembering that when she left the Smugglers it had taken over a year to get over the personal drive to want to play the game even though she was beaten up and mentally exhausted.

?But you won?t miss being beaten up every week, will you?? Grames suggested.

?No, I won?t. I?m ready to start a family, settle down. This has been a wonderful adventure for me but its time someone else took the reins,? Cally concluded.

?You were one of the best, Cally. A damn fine player. I shall miss seeing your face out there on the pitch nearly getting into fights with some player on the Patriots squad. Most importantly, however, I?ll miss your presence in the locker room. Do you have everything? Would you like us to make a time

There was no reason that Gark had to be at the practice facility at this point in the season. Coruscant had brought home the Elite League Championship, and the players were taking some time off before deciding their futures with the team. Some undoubtedly would want to be traded; those under contract would probably stay, as playing for the defending champs and the possibility of consecutive titles was very tempting. Gark was sure that Polis Vayne, MVP of the Championship match, would probably stick around, as he was already under contract for another season, and because of the wave of momentum going into the offseason. However, things would not be perfect; not all players would want to stay. Mostly rookies and the backups would want to go, but it was the veterans and starters that Gark really worried about. They were the ones who had driven the team far, and without a few of them, next season could go horribly wrong. Or, it could go even better. Nothing was decided until the season ended next year.

As he walked around the field slowly, Gark realized that with the championship in hand, the revenue income would hopefully fix up this facility, and make it more attractive to free agents and those looking to be traded to Coruscant. However, it would take at least another season before the facility could possibly become state-of-the-art; experts still looked at the season as somewhat of a fluke, so Coruscant had to prove themselves next season that they deserved the title and were not an asterisk in the Limmie Record Books.